Thinking about Yoga Teacher Training but not sure if it’s for you? You’re not alone. When Veronica joined the MerryBody 200 Hour Training, she felt the same way, but what unfolded was a journey of self-acceptance, confidence and purpose.
When Veronica first joined our MerryBody 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training (MBTT), teaching Yoga wasn’t even on her radar. Her initial goal was purely personal development, she wanted a supportive, welcoming environment to deepen her practice and explore her connection to Yoga. But, by the end of the Training, she now has the goal to teach and inspire people who thought “Yoga wasn’t for them”, to roll out the mat and move their bodies.
We put a lot of thought into how we structured the training, making sure the assessments were comprehensive and useful but still felt doable and even fun. Veronica actually said that when she first saw the assessment list, it felt a bit overwhelming. But as the weeks went on, she realised everything was laid out in a really thoughtful, manageable way. And this is exactly what we were aiming for: taking away the stress and showing that learning can be a joyful, uplifting experience.
As part of our Yoga Teacher Training, each student completes a short personal journal. Veronica’s reflection beautifully captures the essence of what MerryBody is all about, so we had to share it with you below.
“When I first signed up to MBTT, I had no idea what I wanted to get out of it. It was just something that called to me, a thought that got stuck in my head and wouldn’t go away until I signed up.
To say I was scared was an understatement. I thought I wouldn’t be good enough, thin enough, strong enough… I mean, I can’t even do a full chaturanga. How would I pass this course? And if I did, who would want to learn Yoga from me?
And then I remembered what MerryBody is all about… Self Acceptance.
Accepting who we are and what we are capable of in this moment, and being content with that. If I was feeling this way, other people probably were too, which gave me courage and the feeling that I wasn’t alone. I have learned so many things throughout this process. I love that all the lessons are about self-improvement, not being perfect, and the community has been amazing.
I remember crying before I filmed my first class because I didn’t think I could do it, and then being SO EXCITED once it was complete. That was the moment I knew: this is something I want to do long term. I want to teach people how to welcome joy and peace into their lives through Yoga. To accept that every day is different, on and off the mat. I want to make people feel welcome and have a sense of belonging, no matter what they look like, what their background is, or what experience they do or don’t have. Yoga is for everyone.
When I wrote my Intention journal at the beginning of training, I focused on: finding joy in the process, embracing mistakes, holding myself with kindness, and being true to myself.
That was my promise to myself then, and it is the same now. I don’t want to think of this journey as ending… only taking a new path. I know there will be challenges, but as long as I keep that intention, I know I’ll succeed.”
Reading Veronica’s words reminds us exactly why we created this training.
It’s not just about gaining the skills to teach, though that’s definitely part of it. It’s about transformation, confidence and discovering that the journey inward is just as, no, even more powerful than practising a perfect chaturanga.
If you’ve ever felt like Yoga wasn’t for you… Maybe it’s time to rethink that.
Veronica also valued the flexibility of MerryBody’s online environment. Balancing life commitments alongside training felt effortless and enjoyable for her, which affirmed our belief in providing accessible, inclusive and empowering learning experiences.
Throughout the training, Veronica continually amazed us. We watched her confidence and vibrant personality shine bright, from initial uncertainty to becoming genuinely excited about teaching, ahhhh… it was amazing and so inspiring!
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Seeing trainees like Veronica thrive through MerryBody reminds us why we do what we do. Grateful for you Veronica, thank YOU for choosing MerryBody. We are forever cheering for YOU!
“It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The accepting and supportive environment really sets it apart from other trainings. I never felt alone or unsupported.”
If you’re feeling inspired by Veronica’s story, learn more about the MerryBody 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training over here. If you’ve been thinking about Yoga Teacher Training and have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Always merrymaking,
Emma + Carla